Mumbai - The iconic vada pav, a staple of the city's street food scene, has achieved global recognition by landing a spot on TasteAtlas' prestigious "Best Sandwiches in the World" list. The rankings, current as of March 2024, placed vada pav at number 19.

Vada pav is a vegetarian delight consisting of a deep-fried potato patty (vada) nestled within a soft bread bun (pav). It's typically dressed with chutneys and dry garlic chutney for a burst of flavor and texture. This affordable and convenient snack has been a favorite among Mumbaikars for decades, and its popularity has grown beyond city limits.

The credit for this culinary invention is believed to go to Ashok Vaidya, a street vendor from the 1960s and 70s who strived to create a portable, budget-friendly, and easy-to-prepare meal for busy workers near Dadar station. Today, vada pav transcends its street food origins, finding its way onto menus of fine-dining establishments as well.

While vada pav secured a spot on the list, it was the only Indian representative. The top rankings were claimed by Banh mi from Vietnam, followed by Tombik Doner and Shawarma. Check the full list

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